Apple price target raised to $155 from $115 at OppenheimerOppenheimer increased its price target on Apple as the firm expects the company's Apple Watch to be superior to the competition in several ways, and believes that it is "an efficient extension of the smartphone" and "a facilitator of intimate personal communications." The firm predicts that the device will significantly boost Apple's revenue and margins. Oppenheimer keeps an Outperform rating on Apple.

Piper says Apple Watch price could approach $600Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster believes the average selling price for the upcoming Apple Watch could be closer to $575-$600, above his current estimate of $500, when adding in additional bands. Munster sees the potential for higher segment gross margins than previously thought. He points out his 2015 Watch estimate remains at 8M units, well below the Street's 14M. Munster keeps an Overweight rating on Apple with a $160 price target.

Google confirms intent to launch U.S. wireless service, WSJ says Speaking at an industry conference in Barcelona, Sundar Pichai, who oversees Google’s (GOOG) mobile operating system Android, said the search giant will launch a small scale U.S. wireless service with details to be unveiled in the months ahead, says the Wall Street Journal. Other companies in the space include Verizon (VZ), AT&T (T), Sprint (S) and T-Mobile (TMUS). Reference Link

Fidelity Contrafund cuts Google stake to 5.2% of net assets, Reuters reportsFidelity Contrafund, one of Google's largest investors, has cut its stake in the search giant to 5.2% of net assets at January 31 from 7.3% of net assets as of June 30, Reuters reports. Fidelity Investments portfolio manager Will Danoff explains that "The firm continued to do phenomenally innovative things, but it is fighting a shift away from desktop search to less-expensive searches on mobile phones." Reference Link

Apple Watch expected to be available outside U.S. in April, 9to5Mac reportsThe Apple Watch will not be exclusive to the United States when it launches next month, reports 9to5Mac. According to employees in attendance when CEO Tim Cook spoke at the Berlin Apple Store last week, Cook said the watch will launch in Germany during the same month as the U.S. Reference Link

Samsung Pay could 'dwarf' Apple Pay, says JefferiesJefferies says Samsung Pay has the potential to "dwarf" Apple (AAPL) Pay since it targets the vast majority of currently installed payment terminals which utilize conventional magstripe technology, versus Apple's payment system which is limited in its acceptance by the availability of NFC-capable terminals. Jefferies believes Samsung's Galaxy S6/S6 Edge integrates Magnetic Secure Transmission technology acquired from LoopPay within its batteries. It views Samsung Pay as the biggest positive surprise of Samsung's new phone.

Google+ splits Photos and Streams, Horowitz to lead bothBradley Horowitz, a Google VP, confirmed in a Google+ post that "the rumors are true -- I’m excited to be running Google’s Photos and Streams products! It’s important to me that these changes are properly understood to be positive improvements to both our products and how they reach users." Reference Link

Apple price target raised to $160 from $133 at Morgan StanleyMorgan Stanley raised Apple's price target to $160 and increased its bull cast to $190 based on the accelerated pace of category expansion. The firm believes the strong platform creates a "halo effect" as users buy multiple devices and added services and software, which attracts more developers and partners and improves the entire ecosystem. Shares are Overweight rated.

BlackBerry announces partnership with interRAI BlackBerry announced it will provide software and support to interRAI Canada to assist them in developing mobile versions of intake screening and questionnaires for healthcare running on BlackBerry's secure end-to-end mobile solution. These custom screening applications will mobilize assessment tools and assist interRAI in their studies. The applications will be developed for the BlackBerry 10 platform and leverage the end-to-end security provided by BES12, a cross-platform EMM solution by BlackBerry, to improve outcomes in acute care and mental health for patients. interRAI Canada is a research, education and knowledge exchange cluster based at the School of Public Health and Health Systems at the University of Waterloo. Its focus is on promoting innovations in data, evidence, and application systems for the health and social service sectors. The partnership will focus on two very important initiatives. The first will be the development of a time trial application that will track nurses' time per-patient with the goal of improving outcomes in caring for patients with mental health issues. The second initiative is to develop an application that will mobilize an assessment and screening questionnaire that nurses can use to allow them to evaluate the overall health of a patient. Mobilizing the interRAI systems will improve the efficacy in acute care, increase adoption of the questionnaire and improve the quality of care to frail older persons in hospitals. Once developed, these applications will be used in clinical trials across interRAI's global network of doctors, nurses and health practitioners.

Stocks have another winning week after Greek deal, Yellen reassuranceStocks ended higher this week after the euro zone sealed its deal to extend Greece's bailout and Fed chair Janet Yellen reiterated that the central bank would take a patient approach to raising interest rates. MACRO NEWS: Last Friday afternoon, Greece reached a framework deal with its euro zone partners to extend its bailout by four months, contingent on a reform proposal being accepted. The proposals were accepted by the EU early this week... In testimony before Congress, Janet Yellen reiterated that the Federal Reserve can remain patient in deciding when to hike interest rates... U.S. economic data was mixed, as the Q4 GDP growth revision, durable goods orders for January, and an index of consumer sentiment beat expectations, but weekly jobless claims and existing home sales for January missed expectations... Somewhat positive economic data came out of China, as the flash HSBC/Markit Purchasing Managers' Index was 50.1, representing a four month high. However, China's export orders declined at the fastest rate in 20 months. COMPANY NEWS: Drug maker Valeant (VRX) agreed to buy Salix (SLXP), which develops gastrointestinal products, for $158 per share. In another development on the M&A front, Bloomberg reported that HP (HPQ) is in talks to make its biggest acquisition in several years by potentially acquiring Aruba Networks (ARUN), which provides Wi-Fi products. Additionally, PTC Therapeutics (PTCT) rose after Reuters said the company is working with financial advisers to explore a potential sale after receiving takeover interest from several companies including Shire (SHPG) and BioMarin (BMRN)... Solar energy company SunPower (SPWR) was one of this week's big winners after its quarterly results topped expectations, and the company announced that it's in advanced talks to form a joint YieldCo vehicle with peer First Solar (FSLR). First Solar also rallied after the news... Among the noteworthy losers this week was Lumber Liquidators (LL), after the company reported Q4 earnings per share and revenue that missed consensus expectations. The flooring retailer also warned on its associated call that an upcoming "60 Minutes" piece may cast the company in an unfavorable light and disclosed in its annual report that the Department of Justice indicated in recent communications that it is contemplating seeking criminal charges under the Lacey Act... Companies that rose after reporting their quarterly results included Home Depot (HD) and Gap (GPS), while HP, TASER (TASR), and J.C. Penney (JCP) dropped after reporting their results. INDEXES: For the week, the Dow was down 0.04% to 18,132.70, the Nasdaq was up 0.15% to 4,963.53, and the S&P 500 was down 0.27% to 2,104.50.

Apple CEO says consumers will find many reasons to admire watch, Telegraph saysApple CEO Tim Cook said that people will buy Apple's Apple Watch for one reason, and then discover that they like it for many reasons, according to The Telegraph. The watch will give users rewards if they hit exercise goals and could be used to replace car keys and security fobs used by many vehicles, the newspaper quoted Cook as saying. Reference Link

Sanofi reports positive opinion from CHMP for ToujeoSanofi announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, of the European Medicines Agency, or EMA, has issued a positive opinion recommending the approval of Toujeo, a next-generation basal insulin for the treatment of adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Toujeo has demonstrated a more stable and a prolonged glycemic control that lasts beyond 24 hours compared with Lantus with low within-individual, within-day blood sugar variability. The European Commission is expected to make a final decision on granting marketing authorization for Toujeo in the EU in the coming months. Toujeo was approved by the FDA and is under review by other regulatory authorities around the world. Once approved, Toujeo will be available in the Toujeo SoloSTAR, a disposable prefilled pen which contains 450 insulin units, and it has a maximum single injection dose of 80 IU.

Apple hiring engineers to work on virtual reality products, 9to5Mac reportsApple is hiring hardware engineers to work on virtual reality products, according to 9to5Mac, which cites job listings that have appeared this week. According to the ads, Apple is seeking to hire a Senior Display Systems Engineer for "display systems design and development related to VR environments" and a Senior Display Software Engineer to support graphics software engineering efforts for VR environments. Reference Link

Texas company sues Apple over additional alleged patent violations, Reuters saysThe Texas company that on Tuesday won a $533M patent infringement verdict against Apple (AAPL) is launching another patent lawsuit against the iPhone maker, according to Reuters. Filed Wednesday night, the new lawsuit addresses technology used by Apple devices that were launched after the previous case began, the news service stated. Reference Link

Google Ventures' European arm takes stake in Kobalt, FT reportsGoogle Ventures' European unit has led a $60M investment round in Kobalt, a music technology company that helps songwriters collect fees from outlets like YouTube and Spotify, The Financial Times reports. Reference Link

Google to place ads in Google Play, may break up Google+, Forbes saysGoogle's product czar, Sundar Pichai, said the company will begin showing ads for apps in Google Play, and may break Google+ into pieces, according to Forbes. The company also plans new initatives in payments, commerce and enterprise apps, and would welcome the chance to reenter the Chinese market, Forbes quoted the executive as saying. Reference Link

Dish could consider partnering with Google in wireless, The Information saysAccording to The Information, Dish Network (DISH) is likely to play a large role in the telecommunications industry in the coming years, and could look to form a partnership with Google (GOOG), something the companies have previously discussed. Though Google did not bid in the most recent auction of wireless spectrum, sources say Google executive Milo Medin, considered a bid. Reference Link

Google unifies two separate European units, Financial Times reportsGoogle is unifying its two separate European arms following a more challenging and combative regulatory landscape, reports the Financial Times. Matt Britain, who had led the company's northern and western arm, will take over the running of the new business. Britain said the structure would allow the company to better respond to local conditions and opportunities. Reference Link

YouTube revenue growing but did not contribute to earnings, WSJ reportsGoogle's YouTube posted 2014 revenue of $4B although it did not contribute to earnings, reports the Wall Street Journal, according to two people familiar with its financials. One step that may hope to boost viewership include playing more videos automatically, a feature that is expected to roll out shortly. Reference Link

Google introduces Android for Work programThe company said on its Official Blog: "Over a billion people today carry Android smartphones -- devices that are more powerful than the computers we used just a few years ago. For many, these phones have become essential tools to help us complete important work tasks like checking email, editing documents, reviewing sales pipelines and approving deals. But for the majority of workers, smartphones and tablets are underutilized in the workplace. Their business and innovation potential remain largely untapped. We're announcing the Android for Work program to tap into that potential. With a group of partners, we're helping businesses bring more devices to work by securing, managing and innovating on the Android platform... Together with a wide range of management, application and device makers, we believe the Android for Work program provides businesses and workers with the choice and flexibility they need to get things done at work." Reference Link

Google considering making investment in Jawbone, Re/code reportsGoogle is considering making a strategic investment in Jawbone, which makes wireless and wearable devices, sources tell Re/code. Jawbone has also been talking to other strategic investors, and the sources caution that talks with Google are preliminary. Reference Link

Sanofi receives FDA approval of once-daily basal insulin ToujeoSanofi announced that the FDA approved Toujeo, a once-daily long-acting basal insulin, to improve glycemic control in adults living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Toujeo is expected to be available in the U.S. at the beginning of Q2. The approval of Toujeo was based on FDA review of results from the EDITION clinical trial program, which was comprised of a series of international Phase III studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of Toujeo in more than 3,500 adults from broad and diverse diabetes populations.

BlackBerry says working with Google to enable BES12BlackBerry Limited (BBRY) announced that it is working with Google (GOOG) to enable BES12: a cross-platform EMM solution by BlackBerry to manage devices equipped with Android for Work, Google's solution to securely separate business and personal data and applications. BES12 will provide organizations with the most secure and flexible way to manage Android for Work. Android for Work smartphones and tablets will be natively managed within the BES12 environment.

Home Depot price target raised to $130 from $110 at ArgusArgus increased its price target on Home Depot after the company reported stronger than expected Q4 results and raised its dividend by 26%. The firm thinks the company's EPS growth was impressive and keeps a Buy rating on the shares.

Apple price target raised to $150 from $130 at StifelStifel increased its price target on Apple as the firm thinks the company "has more than enough capacity" to increase its dividend to $2.30-$2.40 per share. The firm indicates that it believes that Apple can reduce its tax rate. Stifel keeps a Buy rating on the stock.

On The Fly: Closing WrapStocks on Wall Street began the day almost unchanged as investors awaited the testimony from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen before a Senate panel. Following her prepared remarks, which suggested the central bank will not rush to raise interest rates, buyers stepped in to push the market higher. The Dow moved to all-time highs, as did the S&P, while the Nasdaq extended its most recent streak that saw the index close higher for nine consecutive sessions for the first time that has happened since 2009. ECONOMIC EVENTS: In the U.S., Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen stated in prepared testimony to Congress that the central bank considers it "unlikely" that economic conditions will warrant an increase in the target range for the federal funds rate for "at least the next couple" of FOMC meetings. Yellen also said that while the drop in oil prices will have negative effects on energy producers and will probably result in job losses in this sector, it will likely be a significant overall net positive for the U.S. economy. The S&P Case-Shiller 20-city house price index reported a seasonally adjusted monthly increase of 0.9%, versus expectations for an increase of 0.6%. Markit's services PMI for February came in at 57.0, versus consensus of 54.5. The Conference Board consumer confidence index declined in February to 96.4, which was down from last month's revised 103.8 figure and below the consensus 99.5 forecast. The Richmond Fed manufacturing index for February came in at 0, versus the consensus expectation for a reading of 6. In Europe, eurozone finance ministers approved Greece's reform proposals and extended the country's bailout program by four more months. COMPANY NEWS: Home Depot (HD) advanced $4.47, or 3.98%, to $116.75 after the Dow member's earnings beat expectations. The home improvement giant also hiked its quarterly dividend by 26% and authorized an $18B share repurchase program. MAJOR MOVERS: Among the notable gainers was SunPower (SPWR), which rose $5.00, or 17.99%, to $32.80 after its quarterly results topped expectations and the company announced that its in advanced talks to form a joint YieldCo vehicle with peer First Solar (FSLR). First Solar shares also advanced $5.06, or 10.19%, to $54.70 during the session, though its shares are fractionally lower in after-hours trading after the company issued its own earnings report. Among the noteworthy losers was Rosetta Resources (ROSE), which fell $3.29, or 15.04%, to $18.58 after its weaker than expected Q4 report and lowered guidance was followed by at least five analyst downgrades of its stock. Also lower were shares of Wynn Resorts (WYNN), which slid $7.33, or 4.75%, to $147.00 after reports indicated that Macau's government views overcrowding from tourists as a serious problem and plans to review the mainland’s individual visit scheme with authorities after Chinese New Year. INDEXES: The Dow rose 92.35, or 0.51%, to 18,209.19, the Nasdaq gained 7.15, or 0.14%, to 4,968.12, and the S&P 500 added 5.82, or 0.28%, to 2,115.48.

Apple near-term capital return could be less than expected, says UBSUBS said they believe Apple could take a near-term breather on capital returns due to potential U.S. tax reform, increased dependence on debt issuance for stock buyback funding, and the potential for its board to wait for more clarity on repatriation. UBS reiterated its Buy rating and $150 price target on Apple shares.

Apple's market cap hits nearly $775B, CNBC reportsApple's (AAPL) market cap has reached nearly $775B after the stock closed at a record on Monday, up over 2.7% to $133, CNBC reports. Exxon Mobil (XOM) has a market cap of about $377B. Reference Link

YouTube confirms launch of kids app Google's (GOOG, GOOGL) YouTube confirmed its launch of the YouTube Kids app, "the first Google product built from the ground up with little ones in mind," which the company said makes it safer and easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore. The app is now available for free on Google Play and the App Store in the U.S. Reference Link

Emisphere says Novo Nordisk completes Phase 2 OG217SC trialEmisphere Technologies (EMIS) highlighted positive Phase 2 data from Eligen licensee Novo Nordisk (NVO) pertaining to OG217SC, the oral formulation of semaglutide, a long-acting human GLP-1 analogue that stimulates insulin and suppresses glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. OG217SC is provided in a tablet formulation with an absorption-enhancing excipient, SNAC. SNAC is included in the Eligen Carrier Concept. Novo Nordisk announced that it has successfully completed the phase 2 trial for OG217SC, investigating dose range, escalation, efficacy and safety of once-daily oral semaglutide compared with oral placebo or once-weekly subcutaneously administered semaglutide in around 600 people with type 2 diabetes treated for 26 weeks. Results of the study are available on Novo Nordisk's website. Based on these results, Novo Nordisk announced that it will initiate consultations with regulatory authorities subsequent to which a decision of whether to progress OG217SC into phase 3 development will be made. Under its GLP-1 License Agreement, Novo Nordisk is working to develop and commercialize oral formulations of its proprietary GLP-1 receptor agonists in combination with Emisphere carriers. Under the GLP-1 License Agreement, Emisphere could receive additional contingent product development and sales milestone payments and would also be entitled to receive royalties in the event Novo Nordisk commercializes products developed under such Agreement. Under the GLP-1 License Agreement, Novo Nordisk is responsible for the development and commercialization of the products.

Apple electric car could be 'iPhone of the Future,' says CantorCantor Fitzgerald analyst Brian White says he believes an electric car from Apple has the potential to be the "iPhone of the Future." White, in a note to investors today, added that he doubts Apple's reach will stop there. He believes the personal robot category offers "great potential over the next decade and fits well with Apple's skill set." White thinks the reports of an electric car show innovation at the tech giant continues. He keeps a Buy rating Apple shares with a $160 price target. The stock is up 30c it morning trading to $128.71.

FDA authorizes 23andMe to market genetic testing for Bloom SyndromeThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration yesterday authorized for marketing Google-backed 23andMe’s Bloom Syndrome carrier test, a direct-to-consumer genetic test to determine whether a healthy person has a variant in a gene that could lead to their offspring inheriting the serious disorder. Along with this authorization, the FDA is also classifying carrier screening tests as class II. In addition, the FDA intends to exempt these devices from FDA premarket review. The agency plans to issue a notice that announces the intent to exempt these tests and that provides a 30-day period for public comment.

Apple pushing for 2020 production of its electric car, Bloomberg saysApple (AAPL) is pushing to begin production of its electric vehicle as soon as 2020, reports Bloomberg, citing people with knowledge of the matter. Bloomberg notes that the move could put Apple into direct competition with Tesla (TSLA) and General Motors (GM), both of which are targeting a 2017 release for next-generation electric vehicles. Apple may still cancel the project if it becomes unhappy with progress, the sources said, though its vehicle team is already 200-people strong. Reference Link

YouTube to release stand-alone app for kids, WSJ saysGoogle's YouTube is planning to release a smartphone and tablet app for kids featuring original episodes of television shows including "Thomas the Tank Engine" and "Sesame Street," as well as content from existing YouTube kids channels, reports the Wall Street Journal, citing a person familiar with the matter. The app -- slated for an official reveal Monday at the Kidscreen Summit -- will initially only be available for Android devices. The source said the inclusion of ads is "under discussion." Reference Link

Apple price target raised to $145 on increasingly bullish outlook at GoldmanGoldman raised Buy rated Apple's price target to $145 from $130 based on increased confidence in platform momentum, sustained iPhone growth, and the potential for the Apple Watch. The firm believes risk/reward is more balanced following the recent 20% upside move but sees further upside given the aforementioned factors and the near-term catalysts from the April watch launch, updates on capital allocation, and a likely March quarter beat.

Home Depot volatility increases into Q4 and outlook Home Depot March weekly call option implied volatility is at 33, March is at 24, April is at 19, August is at 18; compared to its 26-week average of 21 according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement into the expected release of Q4 results on February 24.

Apple could return $150B-$200B to shareholders, says RBC CapitalRBC Capital believes that Apple could return $150B-$200B to its shareholders over the next three years. The firm expects the company to return 100% of its annual free cash flow to shareholders. It raised its price target on the name to $140 from $130 and keeps an Outperform rating on the stock.

Apple Pay faces resistance from China, MarketWatch saysApple (AAPL) is attempting to launch Apple Pay in China, but a People's Bank of China official stated the company has not acknowledged regulators and "it's unclear whether the product meets the government’s requirements,” while talks with state-owned card payment operator UnionPay "have stalled" according to sources close to the companies, reports MarketWatch. Alibaba (BABA) currently operates the similar Alipay service and an Alibaba employee stated the two companies "have stayed in contact and are preparing for several projects," but because all payments go through UnionPay, Apple's entry into the market is ultimately controlled by the state-owned firm. The Chinese government has raised numerous concerns regarding Apple Pay, and is demanding the company open a mainland China data center to house customer information. Reference Link

Regeneron data better than expected, says RBC CapitalRBC Capital believes that Protocol-T results for Regneron's (REGN) Eylea were better than expected. The firm says that Eylea improved the vision of all patients more than Roche's treatments,and was much better than Roche's drugs in treating patients with moderate or worse vision loss. The firm keeps a $490 price target and Outperform rating on Regeneron.

AT&T to match Google Fiber speed, pricing in Kansas City area, KC Star saysAT&T (T) announced on Sunday that it would offer Internet service in Kansas City and several of itssuburbs, with the same speed and pricing as Internet service provided by Google's Google Fiber service in the region, according to The Kansas City Star. Reference Link

On The Fly: Analyst Initiation SummaryToday's noteworthy initiations include: Box, Inc. (BOX) initiated with a Hold at Canaccord... Euronav NV (EURN) initiated with an Overweight at Morgan Stanley... GoPro (GPRO) initiated with an Outperform at Northland... M/A-COM (MTSI) initiated with a Neutral at BofA/Merrill... Macy's (M) initiated with an Underweight at Barclays... NetSuite (N) initiated with an Underperform at Exane BNP Paribas... Omega Healthcare (OHI) initiated with a Neutral at BofA/Merrill... Pandora (P) initiated with a Neutral at Macquarie... Pattern Energy (PEGI) coverage resumed with an Outperform at BMO Capital... Regeneron (REGN) initiated with an Outperform at Bernstein... Trovagene (TROV) initiated with an Overweight at Piper Jaffray... Vista Outdoor (VSTO) initiated with a Market Perform at Cowen.